Publisher FuRyu and developer AQURIA have announced school life RPG VARLET for PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store). It will launch on August 28 worldwide.
In Japan, the PlayStation 5 and Switch versions will be available both physically and digitally for 7,980 yen (8,778 yen after tax). A Limited BOX will also be available for 12,680 yen (13,948 yen after tax), which includes an original box, 80-page creative art book, the special album CDs “Character Vocal Side” and “Original Soundtrack Side,” an A5-size canvas board, a code to download the protagonist outfits from Monark and The Caligula Effect 2, and an original sticker.
Here is an overview of the game, via FuRyu:
VARLET draws upon FuRyu’s experience developing immersive, story-driven games, and will challenge players to explore the duality of their own nature as they navigate the perilous high school halls.
Welcome within the halls of Kousei Academy, the first school to implement the cross-reality, virtual reality network known as “Johari,” which is used for everything from finding basic information and making purchases to serving as a social networking and messaging app. The app has resulted in a marked increase in users desire for approval and attention amongst peers, and soon an urban legend begins circulating about users disappearing into otherworldly “Glitches” if those desires grow too strong. And worse yet, monsters inhabiting the “Glitches” are said to replace users in the real world leaving everyone none the wiser.
The protagonist soon discovers that this urban legend is very real and some students have already been replaced by monsters, forcing them to take a stand. As a member of the Student Support Services (SSS), a guild dedicated to solving the academy’s troubles, players must guide their friends, strengthen bonds, and fight to protect the school from impending doom. However, navigating these relationships comes with its own challenges—getting too close to multiple people may lead to unexpected consequences.
At the core of VARLET‘s experience is its dynamic Triad Stats system, which shapes character progression based on player choices. These six distinct attributes are divided between Light and Dark Triad traits, influencing dialogue options and passive battle skills. Light Triad stats emphasize morality, sympathy, and altruism, while Dark Triad stats lean into Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. Players will determine their true nature, either as a guiding leader who uplifts and empowers allies in battle or as a ruthless ruler wielding immense power even at a personal cost.
The game’s staff includes:
- Character Theme Song Composers
- Daibakuhashin
- Hitoshizuki and Yamasankakkei
- KANON69
- NILFRUITS
- OSTER project
- Tadano Kede / A4.
- wotaku
- Yoshida Yasei
- Background Music: Tsukasa Masuko
- Scenario: Gakuto Mikumo, Ryutaro Ito
- Scenario Editing: Kazunari Suzuki
- Series Original Work: Fuyuki Hayashi
- Production: FuRyu
- Development: AQURIA
- Produce and Direction: Hideaki Ito
- Direction: Takashi Muto
An “Announcement Presentation” live stream will premiere on April 25 at 5:00 a.m. PT / 8:00 a.m. ET / 21:00 JST, featuring the premiere of the opening movie and the latest information on the game with the voice cast. You will be able to watch it on YouTube.
Watch the announcement trailer and music sample videos below. View the first screenshots at the gallery. Visit the official website here: English, Japanese.
Announce Trailer
English
Japanese